Introductory Course

Price From: $250 USD

Designed for amateurs and professionals alike, the Introductory Course is intended to open your window into the vast and diverse world of agave spirits. We’ll learn the basics of how to taste like a spirits sommelier, learning how to identify aromas, flavors, and overall quality. Over the course of 2.5 hours, we’ll explore six different agave spirits, each one with a unique history, production, and taste. You’ll leave this course with the tools to better appreciate agave spirits, and an urge to keep exploring these vast and diverse drinks.

And we can discuss if the certification program is right for you!

Instructors

Oscar A. Montes Iga

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Co-founder

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ASI – Master of Agave Spirits Educator

AAS – Food & Beverage Management Degree

AAS – Hospitality Management Degree

AAS – Travel & Tourism Management Degree

IWSG – Guild Certified Senior Wine & Spirits Instructor
IWSG – Guild Certified Executive Fine Spirits Sommelier

WSET – Advanced Spirits Awardee | Merit

CWM –Certified Spirits Judge

IBD – Spirits Sensory Analysis

SWE – Certified Specialist of Wine & Spirits

USBG – Guild Certified Spirits Professional

EWA – Single Malt Whisky Diplomate

EWA – American Single Malt Specialist

EWA – Scotch Whisky Specialist

EWA – Irish Whiskey Specialist

EWA – Gin Specialist

BNIC – Certified Cognac Specialist

PCP – Certified Pisco Specialist

SWE – Hospitality Beverage Specialist

STS – Certified Executive Bourbon Steward

APWSI – Certified Luxury Caviar Sommelier

ITA – Certified Tea Sommelier

ACA – Certified Cider Professional

WSET – Sake Award

CCP – Certified Beer Server

CMS – Certified Sommelier

RRS – Certified Rummelier

University of Lynchburg – Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits Graduate

Ashworth University – Nutrition, Diet & Health Science Diplomate

FIU School of Hospitality & Tourism Management – Future Proof Bar Training

Syllabus

Agave history, etymology, and diversity
Tequila Key Terms and Concepts
Mezcal Denomination of Origin
Bacanora Denomination of Origin
Raicilla Denomination of Origin
Tuxca Traditions
Sotol Denomination of Origin
Comiteco Identity
Tasting Techniques and Professional Analysis

Registration for the Intro Course is open to anyone over legal drinking age in their place of residence.

NOTICE: Class may be cancelled due to Force Majeure with little to no notice; or it may be cancelled if minimum student quorum has not been met 2 days prior to class start date - in either case you will be notified and your registration will be moved to the next available Intro Course dates.

NOTICE: No-Shows are non-refundable. If you'd like to move your registration to an alternative date other than the date you register for, you may incur a $50 USD administrative fee.

Includes

2.5 Hours of Live Online Instruction by Masters of Agave Spirits and Agave Spirits Advisors.
Six Vials of Artisanal and Ancestral Agave Spirits
Introductory Course Handbook
Six Organoleptic Tasting Guides

SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITE:

Students should purchase a set of six (6) ISO/INAO tasting glasses prior to the course.

Certification

No pin or certification is awarded at the Introductory Course workshop.
Certifications are available from Level 1 - we'll be happy to answer any questions about the program at length.